Buying a Business in Missouri

Buying a business can be a worthwhile investment, but whether it is purchased by an individual or another company, the transaction is complicated.

Specific regulations concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may be implicated when you buy a business. These areas are all governed by Federal and Missouri law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

Buying a business in Salem is gaining the right to direct business operations. When a party directs operations as they see fit, their right is called ?control? of the business. Like ownership, control includes the right to all the property of the business as well as the assumption of the business debts. Accordingly, the party buying a business will want a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", the financials of the company are disclosed. The process of due diligence uses Federal and Missouri guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to buy the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price of a business mostly depends on how much ownership stake is required for control. The value of the business property and the type of business are also important factors. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Missouri. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Salem Attorney Help?

In Missouri, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney knowledgeable in Missouri law practicing in Salem can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.